The paper contains an account of a research into the effect on metals of different speeds of fracture, using a specially designed high-speed testing machine which is described in detail. The experiments were conducted both in this machine and in a 5-ton variable-speed autographic tensile machine, on five steels, the rate of loading being varied for each. With the high-speed machine toughness, ductility, time to produce fracture, and the stress-strain curve were obtained. The results of these combined tests, given in tables and graphs, show that there is a marked increase in stress due to higher speed of testing; and also that the work required to cause fracture increases with the speed. For mild steel the stress at the initial yield point was found to be in excess of that at the maximum point, when the speed of testing was increased the ductility did not appear to suffer.